Accra, April 1, GNA - Parliament on Thursday adjourned sine dines with the Minority still holding on to their position that the collateralisation of the oil runs at variance to the purpose of the Petroleum Bill.

The House is expected to resume on May 17.

Minority Leader Osei Kyei- Mensah- Bonsu, in a closing remark, noted that the memorandum accompanying the bill was to guide the efficient collection, collation and management of petroleum revenue for the benefit of current and future generations.

Mr Mensah- Bonsu said another concern of the Minority was the manner in which a proposed amendment for the utilisation of 10 per cent of the expected petroleum revenue for the development of the Western Region as promised by the Vice President was thrown out. He added that the Presiding Officer stated that the amendment was inadmissible and in conflict with Order 122 and 128 (4) (b). The Minority Leader explained that the bill was introduced on behalf of the President by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and in that vein a member could go ahead to effect an amendment. He expressed dissatisfaction about the poor attendance to the house by members especially those who absented themselves from the House without prior approval or arrive late for proceedings. He congratulated the Speaker and his deputies for the conduct of proceedings in the House and added however, that there were times the ruling from the chair did little to advance the cause of parliamentary democracy.

Mr Cletus Avoka, Majority Leader said during the meeting a total of 10 legislative instruments were laid and considered, 30 motions were also tabled before the House and duly considered and approved in addition to questions, statements and reports.

The Petroleum Revenue Management bill was one of the important legislations that was passed, adding that the bill would go down as one that registered the greatest number of amendment which showed that the House demonstrated the desire to ensure that the country does not follow the footsteps of countries where oil wealth had become a curse rather than a blessing.

Mr Avoka said the House also approved a number of credit facilities for a number of agencies of state, which included the credit facility for the provision of electronic and other ICT systems for the Tower Block (Job 600) for Parliament. He said commended the committee on Mines and Energy the entire house for the expeditious manner in which the Petroleum Commission bill was held. The Speaker, Mrs Joyce Bamford Addo thanked members, the Parliamentary Service Staff and the Media for their support.